product certification scheme requirements: pitched roof ... · 129 management system in accordance...
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This Microgeneration Guidance Document is the property of Department for Business, Energy and
Industrial Strategy (BEIS), 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0ET.
© BEIS 2018
MCS 012
Product Certification Scheme Requirements: Pitched Roof
Installation Kits
Issue 2.3
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This Standard has been approved by the Standards Management Group of the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
This Standard was prepared by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme Working Group 10 ‘Roofing Issues’.
REVISION OF MCS PRODUCT SCHEME DOCUMENTS
The MCS Product Scheme documents will be revised by issue of revised editions or amendments. Details will be posted on the website at www.microgenerationcertification.org
Technical or other changes which affect the requirements for the approval or certification of the product or service will result in a new issue. Minor or administrative changes (e.g. corrections of spelling and typographical errors, changes to address and copyright details, the addition of notes for clarification etc.) may be made as amendments.
The issue number will be given in decimal format with the integer part giving the issue number and the fractional part giving the number of amendments (e.g. Issue 3.2 indicates that the document is at Issue 3 with 2 amendments).
Users of this Standard should ensure that they possess the latest issue and all amendments.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ............................................................................................................. 5
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 5
2. SCOPE .............................................................................................................. 6
2.1 General Requirements ............................................................................. 6
2.2 Definitions ................................................................................................ 7
3. APPLICATIONS TO JOIN THE SCHEME .......................................................... 8
4. MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION .................................................... 8
5. CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL ................................................................... 8
6. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION ..................................................................... 10
7. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ............................................................................ 11
7.1 Resistance to wind uplift ......................................................................... 11
7.2 Fire ......................................................................................................... 11
7.3 Weathertightness.................................................................................... 11
7.4 Installation instructions ........................................................................... 11
8. CERTIFICATE CONTENT ................................................................................ 12
9. MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION AND LISTING ...................................... 12
9.1 Supplier / manufacturer audits ................................................................ 13
9.2 Product audits ........................................................................................ 13
10. CERTIFICATION MARK AND LABELLING .................................................. 13
APPENDIX A........................................................................................................... 15
TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................... 16
A1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 19
A2. SCOPE ............................................................................................................. 19
A3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS ..................................................................... 20
A4. RESISTANCE TO WIND UPLIFT ..................................................................... 21
A4. 1 Test method .................................................................................................. 21
A4.2 Test criteria .................................................................................................... 22
A5. FIRE PERFORMANCE ..................................................................................... 24
A5.1 Roof integrated Systems ................................................................................ 24
A5.1.1 Alternative Methods .................................................................................... 25
A5.2 Above-roof Systems ....................................................................................... 25
A6. WEATHERTIGHTNESS .................................................................................... 26
A6.1 General .......................................................................................................... 26
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A6.2 Test methods ................................................................................................. 28
A6.2.1 Roof integrated systems .............................................................................. 28
A6.2.1.1 Test Procedure ......................................................................................... 28
A6.2.1.2 Test Criteria.............................................................................................. 30
A7. TEST REPORT ................................................................................................. 31
A7.1 Product and System Details: .......................................................................... 32
A7.2 Resistance to wind uplift ................................................................................. 33
A7.3 Fire performance ............................................................................................ 34
A7.4 Weathertightness ........................................................................................... 34
A8. REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 37
Appendix 1 .............................................................................................................. 38
Test arrangement for carrying out tests to BS EN 14437: 2004 .............................. 38
Appendix 2 .............................................................................................................. 39
Annexes A and C of BS 476 -3 : 2004 .................................................................... 39
Appendix 3 .............................................................................................................. 40
Test procedure for wind driven rain performance based upon PD CEN/TR
15601:2012 ............................................................................................................ 40
1.1 Rain and Wind Driven Rain Effects ................................................................. 40
1.2 Test Procedure ............................................................................................... 44
Appendix 4 .............................................................................................................. 46
An example of an underlay sealing ring in test for water-tightness ......................... 46
Informative Annexes................................................................................................ 47
Annex 1 ................................................................................................................... 47
Resistance to Wind Uplift ....................................................................................... 47
2. System Requirements ........................................................................................ 47
AMENDMENTS ISSUED SINCE PUBLICATION .................................................... 49
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FOREWORD 1
The following document contains provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute 2
normative or informative provisions of this document [MCS 012]. At the time of publication, the 3
editions indicated were valid. All documents are subject to revision, and parties applying this 4
document [MCS 012] are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent 5
editions of the documents referenced. 6
7
The following document [MCS 012 issue 2.3] is a minor update to [MCS 012 issue 2.2, 8
published 10/01/2018]. Issue 2.3 is available for reference from the date of publication 9
[18/09/2018]. 10
11
Newly certified products shall comply with [MCS 012 issue 2.3] from the date of publication 12
[18/09/2018]. Issue 2.3 is mandatory from [18/03/2019] for manufacturers or importers who 13
have products currently certified to Issue 2.2. 14
15
MCS committed to working with industry when it first published MCS 012 issue 1.0 on 16th 16
March 2012, and a formal review of this Standard is currently being undertaken. Industry 17
feedback is still requested with regards to exceptions which may not fall under the remit of MCS 18
012. 19
20
1. INTRODUCTION 21
• This document identifies the evaluation and assessment requirements and practices for 22
the purposes of certification and listing of installation kits and individual components for 23
pitched roof mounted Solar PV Modules and Solar Collectors. Certification and listing of 24
products is based on evidence acceptable to the Certification Body: that the product 25
meets the Standard; 26
• that the manufacturer has staff, processes and systems in place to ensure that the 27
product delivered meets the Standard. 28
And on: 29
• periodic audits of the manufacturer and / or supplier, including testing as appropriate; 30
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• compliance with the contract with the Certification Body for listing and approval 31
including agreement to rectify faults as appropriate. 32
33
34
2. SCOPE 35
This Scheme provides ongoing independent, third party assessment and approval of companies 36
who wish to demonstrate that their pitched roof installation kits or components meet and 37
continue to meet the requirements of this standard. 38
39
The requirements of this Scheme document are not applicable to installations on flat roofs which 40
will be covered by a separate document. 41
42
2.1 General Requirements 43
2.1.1 Products which require the use of through bolts are only eligible for certification to MCS 44
012 subject to meeting the following requirements: 45
46
1. The bolt or flashing shall not transfer any load on the slates / tiles (excluding metal tiles or 47
sheets) beneath; 48
2. The system shall not rely on site applied silicone, mastic or other similar type sealants as the 49
sole method to provide a weather-tight seal; 50
3. The system must durably seal every layer of roof covering that is perforated by the bolt 51
system; 52
4. The system shall not rely on a sealing washer or plate that presses down on the slate/tile 53
(excluding metal tiles or sheets) to ensure a weather tight seal; 54
5. The bolt fixings shall not be into battens. 55
56
NOTE: This wording takes precedence over Section 4.3.9 bullets 1-5 in the MCS PV Guide. 57
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2.2 Definitions 58
2.2.1 Roof installation kit - a collection of parts or components designed to mount (a) Solar 59
Collector(s) or PV Module(s) on the roof of a building. The kit comprises all parts required to 60
provide a structurally stable fixing and ensure the weathertightness, and fire performance of the 61
roof meets the requirements of the building regulations. 62
63
2.2.2 Roof integrated installations - an installation where the Solar Collector or PV Module 64
replaces some or all of the roof covering. Including PV tiles or Thin-film PV modules bonded to 65
roof coverings such as standing seam roof sheets. 66
67
2.2.3 Above roof installations - an installation where the Solar Collector or PV Module is 68
mounted above the roof covering and fixed to the underlying roof structure through the roof 69
covering. 70
71
2.2.4 Bespoke building integrated installations - a bespoke PV unit that is manufactured in 72
varying sizes, shapes and configurations for the purpose of being built into the fabric of a 73
building - such as PV glazing, PV façade units or PV shading units. Furthermore, a BBIPV 74
product is one that is tailored and manufactured to a specific project, with a size and 75
configuration specific to that project. 76
77
2.2.5 Solar panel - this document uses the term solar panels as a collective term for solar 78
thermal collectors and PV modules. 79
80
2.2.6 Component* – an identifiable part of the solar system which may be sourced separately 81
and made available on the market, for example: 82
• Brackets/roof hooks 83
• Rails/profiles 84
• Joiners 85
• Clamps 86
• Clips 87
• Rafter bolts 88 89
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*The Component may require the use of a Solar Panel during testing to provide an indication of 90
the intended use of the component so that this can be specified on the MCS Certificate for the 91
component. The Solar Panel is not to be tested directly. 92
93
3. APPLICATIONS TO JOIN THE SCHEME 94
3.1 Applications should be made to an accredited Certification Body operating this Scheme, 95
who will provide the appropriate application form and details of the applicable fees. 96
97
4. MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION 98
4.1 Manufacturers and /or suppliers* shall operate a certified documented manufacturing quality 99
control system, in accordance with the requirements of MCS 010 “Generic Factory Production 100
Control Requirements”. 101
102
* The factory production control exercised by the manufacturers of the various components 103
must be confirmed as adequate in all cases. 104
105
4.2 Where a supplier is gathering together various components manufactured by other 106
companies, for sale as a kit, it may be possible to restrict the audit to the supplier’s office, 107
provided that they can demonstrate that they have adequate procedures in place to confirm that 108
the quality of these components is being maintained. Should this prove not to be the case, then 109
further audits may be required at some or all of the manufacturing locations. 110
111
4.3 The level of control operated for individual components should be commensurate with the 112
nature and significance of these components. For example, that exercised over a standard 113
screw and nut combination may be lower than those for specialised fixing brackets. 114
115
5. CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL 116
5.1 Certification and approval is based on the following: 117
118
a) Evidence of compliance with: 119
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120
Roof performance tests for solar thermal collectors and PV modules (see Appendix A) 121
122
5.2 Evidence of compliance is generally accepted as independent third party testing by a UKAS 123
(or equivalent) accredited test laboratory. However, other evidence of compliance may be 124
considered at the discretion of the Certification Body (see document MCS 011 ‘Testing 125
Acceptance Criteria’). 126
127
b) Verification of the establishment and maintenance of the manufacturing company’s quality 128
management system in accordance with the Factory Production Control requirements (FPC). 129
130
c) Review of the technical documentation relating to the material, product or component. 131
132
5.3 Applications for a range of common products (product families) will be dealt with on a case 133
by case basis. For example, where one or more characteristics are the same for products with 134
similar design, construction and functionality then the results of tests for these characteristics on 135
one product may be applied to other similar products, as agreed between the 136
manufacturer/supplier and the Certification Body. 137
138
5.4 A certificate can be awarded following: 139
(i) demonstration of satisfactory compliance with this Scheme document, taking into account 140
any limitations imposed and other appropriate guidelines and satisfactory 141
verification/assessment of the manufacturer's Factory Production Control and technical 142
documentation, and 143
(ii) the submission of a complete MCS012 Performance Data Template including all relevant 144
fields to the Scheme Administrator by the Certifying Body. 145
146
Note: Please refer to the example column given in the template as a guideline. 147
148
5.5 Certificates are valid from the date of issue and are maintained and held in force subject to 149
satisfactory completion of the requirements for maintenance of certification (see Item 10), but 150
remain the property of the issuing Certification Body. 151
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152
5.6 Details of the manufacturer and the certificated product(s) are listed on the website at 153
www.microgenerationcertification.org, upon receipt of a completed MCS012 Performance Data 154
Template as provided for in Section 5.4. 155
156
6. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION 157
6.1 Technical documentation for the product must be submitted for review. This documentation 158
shall be presented in English, and shall be such that it can be assured that the products 159
submitted for test are equivalent to those that are to be manufactured for normal production. 160
The documentation must consist of the following as a minimum: 161
162
a) Details of intended use, application, classifications and restrictions (such as minimum roof 163
pitch) required; 164
165
b) Manufacturing drawings and/or specifications including tolerances, issue and revision 166
numbers; 167
168
c) The revision number of the product; 169
170
d) Raw material and components specifications; 171
172
e) Details of the quality plan applied during manufacture to ensure ongoing compliance; 173
174
f) Where historical test data is requested to be considered for the application, full test report and 175
details of any existing approvals (Note: each application will be dealt with on a case by case 176
basis, and further information about the acceptance of previous testing is available on request); 177
178
g) Installation, use and maintenance instructions. 179
180
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7. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 181
The performance may be declared for whole systems tested or for individual components, 182
where appropriate and when those components are to be offered for incorporation into a wide 183
range of systems. In the latter case all uses of the components must be clarified, and it is the 184
responsibility of those supplying the whole system to show the whole system also satisfies the 185
performance criteria. 186
187
7.1 Resistance to wind uplift 188
7.1.1 A maximum wind uplift resistance shall be declared when assessed in accordance with 189
Section 4 of Appendix A. 190
7.2 Fire 191
7.2.1 A fire rating shall be declared in accordance with Section 5.1 of Appendix A, except for 192
above roof mounting kits satisfying the requirements of Section 5.2 of Appendix A. 193
7.3 Weathertightness 194
7.3.1 The mounting of the solar panels on or in the roof shall not decrease the weather 195
performance of the declared roof types when tested in accordance with section 6 of Appendix A. 196
7.4 Installation instructions 197
7.4.1 Guidance must be given on compatible solar panels and roof systems. The information 198
provided to the installer must clearly indicate how the kit is installed with different solar panels 199
and roof types including the type and number of fixings and maximum recommended spacing of 200
brackets/rails. 201
7.4.2 In particular, the following information shall be clearly and prominently shown in the 202
product installation instructions: 203
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• The maximum wind load the system achieved when assessed according to this 204
document, using the standard procedure and fixing details as described in the 205
manufacturer’s instructions; 206
• For products that can be used with a variety of different solar panels these instructions 207
should clearly describe the array design constraints (e.g. maximum module area, fixings 208
per m² etc) that need to be met in order to achieve the stated wind load result. 209
8. CERTIFICATE CONTENT 210
8.1 Certificates shall contain the name and address of the manufacturer/supplier, model and 211
reference number of the roof installation kit or components the test standard, a unique certificate 212
reference number and the issue number and date. 213
214
8.2 In addition, the certificate will include the following information: 215
216
• Roofing substrates compatible with the system and any minimum requirements e.g. 217
minimum timber size; 218
• Minimum permissible roof pitch; 219
• Whether the product is suitable for use as in roof or above roof installations; 220
• Maximum design wind uplift resistance as defined in Section 4.2.1 of Appendix A (this 221
may be a single value or a table of values for different installation configurations); 222
• The value of the partial (safety) factor(s) that have been used in determining the wind 223
uplift resistance for the product as defined in section 4.2.1 of Appendix A; 224
• Fire test result in accordance with Section 5 of Appendix A (for roof integrated only or 225
where an above roof system is assessed for use on combustible substrates). 226
227
9. MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION AND LISTING 228
Certificates and listing are maintained and held in force subject to satisfactory completion of the 229
below requirements for maintenance of certification. 230
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9.1 Supplier / manufacturer audits 231
9.1.1 Certification is maintained through annual FPC quality system audits*, which shall include 232
a detailed check that the product being manufactured is to the same specification as the product 233
tested. 234
235
* Carried out in accordance with the principles discussed in Section 5. 236
237
9.2 Product audits 238
9.2.1 Product audits will be conducted as follows: 239
• review of the product technical data files including materials; 240
• review of end of line tests in accordance with the manufacturer's quality plan; 241
• repeat testing of elements from the product standard as appropriate to confirm that the 242
product continues to meet the requirements for certification and listing. 243
244
10. CERTIFICATION MARK AND LABELLING 245
10.1.1 All approved products listed under this Scheme shall be traceable to identify that they 246
have (and marked with a label to confirm that the product has) been tested and certificated in 247
accordance with the requirements of the test standard. See below for details. 248
249
10.1.2 The supplier shall use (the) Certification Mark(s) (only) in accordance with the 250
Certification Body’s instructions. 251
252
10.1.3 An example of the Certification Mark that can be used for this Scheme is as follows: 253
254
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255 256
Certificate Number MCS "XXX" 257
“Description of the Technology certificated” 258
259
10.1.4 Where ‘XXX’ is the certificate number and the logo of the Certification Body issuing the 260
certification would sit in the right hand box. 261
262
10.1.5 Companies may only use the Mark while the certification is maintained 263
264
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265
APPENDIX A 266
267
Pitched roof performance tests for solar thermal collectors 268
and PV modules 269
270
271
272
273
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 274
FOREWORD ............................................................................................................................. 5 275
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................. 5 276
2. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................... 6 277
2.1 General Requirements ............................................................................. 6 278
2.2 Definitions ................................................................................................ 7 279
3. APPLICATIONS TO JOIN THE SCHEME ........................................................................... 8 280
4. MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CERTIFICATION .................................................................... 8 281
5. CERTIFICATION AND APPROVAL .................................................................................... 8 282
6. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION ......................................................................................10 283
7. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ..............................................................................................11 284
7.1 Resistance to wind uplift ......................................................................... 11 285
7.2 Fire ......................................................................................................... 11 286
7.3 Weathertightness ................................................................................... 11 287
7.4 Installation instructions ........................................................................... 11 288
8. CERTIFICATE CONTENT .................................................................................................12 289
9. MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION AND LISTING ........................................................12 290
9.1 Supplier / manufacturer audits ................................................................ 13 291
9.2 Product audits ........................................................................................ 13 292
• review of the product technical data files including materials; .............................13 293
• review of end of line tests in accordance with the manufacturer's quality plan; ...13 294
• repeat testing of elements from the product standard as appropriate to confirm 295
that the product continues to meet the requirements for certification and listing. ................13 296
10. CERTIFICATION MARK AND LABELLING ....................................................................13 297
APPENDIX A ............................................................................................................................15 298
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................16 299
A1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................19 300
A2. SCOPE ...............................................................................................................................19 301
A3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS .......................................................................................20 302
A4. RESISTANCE TO WIND UPLIFT .......................................................................................21 303
A4. 1 Test method .................................................................................................. 21 304
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A4.2 Test criteria .................................................................................................... 22 305
A4.2.1 Method ...................................................................................................................22 306
A4.2.2 Alternative methods ................................................................................................23 307
A5. FIRE PERFORMANCE .......................................................................................................24 308
A5.1 Roof integrated Systems ................................................................................ 24 309
A5.1.1 Alternative Methods .................................................................................... 25 310
A5.2 Above-roof Systems ....................................................................................... 25 311
A6. WEATHERTIGHTNESS .....................................................................................................26 312
A6.1 General .......................................................................................................... 26 313
A6.2 Test methods ................................................................................................. 28 314
A6.2.1 Roof integrated systems ............................................................................. 28 315
A6.2.1.1 Test Procedure ........................................................................................ 28 316
A6.2.1.2 Test Criteria ............................................................................................. 30 317
A6.2.2 The performance of underlay penetrations ..............................................................30 318
A6.2.3 Above Roof Systems ..............................................................................................31 319
A6.2.3.1 Weathertightness of the penetrations through the outer surface ..........................31 320
A7. TEST REPORT ..................................................................................................................31 321
A7.1 Product and System Details: .......................................................................... 32 322
A7.2 Resistance to wind uplift ................................................................................ 33 323
A7.3 Fire performance............................................................................................ 34 324
A7.4 Weathertightness ........................................................................................... 34 325
A7.4.1 Roof integrated systems: ........................................................................................34 326
A7.4.2 Underlay penetration (both roof integrated and above roof solar systems) ..............35 327
A7.4.3 Above roof systems ................................................................................................36 328
A8. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................................37 329
Appendix 1 ................................................................................................................................38 330
Test arrangement for carrying out tests to BS EN 14437: 2004 .............................. 38 331
Appendix 2 ................................................................................................................................39 332
Annexes A and C of BS 476 -3 : 2004 .................................................................... 39 333
Appendix 3 ................................................................................................................................40 334
Test procedure for wind driven rain performance based upon PD CEN/TR 15601:2012335
40 336
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1.1 Rain and Wind Driven Rain Effects ................................................................ 40 337
1.1.1 Test specimens .......................................................................................................40 338
1.1.2 Preparation of the test specimen .............................................................................41 339
1.1.6 Rain generating facility ............................................................................................42 340
1.2 Test Procedure ............................................................................................... 44 341
Appendix 4 ................................................................................................................................46 342
An example of an underlay sealing ring in test for water-tightness ......................... 46 343
Informative Annexes .................................................................................................................47 344
Annex 1.....................................................................................................................................47 345
Resistance to Wind Uplift ....................................................................................... 47 346
2. System Requirements ........................................................................................ 47 347
AMENDMENTS ISSUED SINCE PUBLICATION ......................................................................49 348
349
350
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A1. INTRODUCTION 351
352
With the drive for low energy buildings and the greater functionality of roofs, solar panels are 353
being used in ever increasing numbers. It is important that, whilst providing additional 354
functionality, the solar panel systems do not degrade the fundamental function of the roof, which 355
is the long-term protection of the building interior from the elements. 356
357
NOTE: This document uses the term solar panels as a collective term for solar thermal collectors and PV 358
modules. 359
360
361
A2. SCOPE 362
363
This document specifies the test procedures which shall be used to demonstrate the 364
performance of solar panels and/or their installation kits or individual components under the 365
action of: 366
367
• Wind loads – resistance to wind uplift forces 368
• Fire – resistance to external fire 369
• Rainfall and wind driven rain – weather-tightness 370 371
These procedures apply to ‘in roof’ and ‘above roof’ systems fixed to pitched roofs. They do not 372
apply to systems mounted inclined above flat roofs or mounted on vertical walls. 373
374
The results of these tests shall be compared with the required performance. The informative 375
annexes provide some guidance on the performance levels necessary. 376
377
Satisfactory performance in the tests described in this document does not necessarily imply 378
compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations. 379
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The results of the roof mounting kit’s performance against the test procedures shall be made 380
publicly available on the MCS product certificate holder’s website. 381
382
383
A3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 384
385
The product and installation kit must come with installation instructions. The installation 386
instructions must be followed when preparing the product and installation kit for test. 387
388
389
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A4. RESISTANCE TO WIND UPLIFT 390
A4. 1 Test method 391
In the absence of a test method specifically for assessing the uplift resistance of solar panels, 392
the test method shall follow the principles and, where appropriate, the details of BS EN 14437: 393
2004 (Determination of the uplift resistance of installed clay or concrete tiles for roofing — Roof 394
system test method) (Reference 1). Note that a trial test, as specified in BS EN 14423: 2004, is 395
not always necessary – this should be decided by the test house, depending on the system. 396
Appendix 1 shows a typical PV system under test. 397
398
The test shall determine the wind uplift resistance and the following details shall be followed: 399
400
I. Where the flashing or sealing kits provide any uplift resistance then these should be 401
included in the test. 402
II. The roof pitch shall be 45deg +/- 2 degrees. 403
III. A minimum of one solar panel should be tested (or two if shared components are 404
employed) and the test shall be repeated a minimum of three times with new fixings 405
each time. 406
IV. The uplift load shall be applied using a cable(s) or equivalent methods to provide uniform 407
loads. This/these may be fixed to the solar collector by drilling a hole(s) through the 408
collector or by using suction cup devices attached to the glass cover plate, as shown in 409
Appendix 1. 410
V. The detailed construction of the test rig in terms of the batten sizes, rafter spacing and 411
all fixings shall satisfy the minimum specification (worst case) of the 412
manufacturer/supplier of the solar panel and all materials shall be of a quality typical of 413
real construction. The minimum requirements of BS 5534: 2014+A1:2015 shall also be 414
satisfied. 415
VI. Where there is a choice of fixing positions, the most onerous (weakest) shall be tested. 416
VII. The test roof should include all components of typical construction, including the 417
adjacent tiles. Alternatively, technical justification shall be provided as to why these are 418
omitted. 419
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A4.2 Test criteria 420
A4.2.1 Method 421
The characteristic value(1) of the uplift resistance shall be determined from the measured failure 422
loads and reported. 423
(1) The characteristic value has a prescribed probability of not being attained in a hypothetical 424
unlimited test series. This is defined in Annex D of BS EN 14437: 2004 for a 95% confidence 425
limit of being attained. 426
For design purposes the characteristic uplift resistance load shall be divided by an appropriate 427
partial factor (safety factor) from the relevant Euro-Code: 428
• For failure in steel or metal components – EN 1993-1-1: 2005 Design of steel structures 429
— General rules and rules for buildings. 430
• For failure in timber – EN 1995-1-1: 2004 Design of timber structures — General rules 431
and rules for buildings. 432
The certificate shall declare the maximum design uplift resistance in kilo Pascals (kPa) for 433
systems or Newtons (N) for individual fixings – the characteristic resistance divided by the 434
partial factor for the failure mode in the test. 435
436
In summary: 437
• Ultimate Limit State (the system actually fails i.e. failure criteria a, b or c below): 438
• For failure in a metal component the partial factor is 1.1 439
• For pull out from a metal component (eg. self-tapping screw or rivet) the partial 440
factor is 1.25 441
• For failure in a timber component or pull out from a timber component the partial 442
factor for design against wind loads is 1.44(2) 443
(2) This value has taken into account the influence of load duration and other parameters in-line 444
with EN1995-1 Table 2.2 and clause 2.3.1. 445
• Serviceability Limit State (no failure but the system is no longer fit for purpose, i.e. 446
failure criteria d or e below). 447
• The partial factor is 1.0 448
449
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As written, the failure criteria specified in BS EN 14437: 2004 are not appropriate to solar 450
systems and MCS 012 failure criteria shall be taken as follows: 451
452
a) Breakage of a mechanical component between the panel and the roof structure. 453
b) Pulling out or breakage of the connection of the mechanical fixing to the roof. 454
c) Breakage of elements of the solar panel. 455
d) If the maximum displacement of any roofing element exposes the under-roof then the 456
maximum deflection shall be 75 millimetre (mm). 457
e) The remaining displacement of any roofing element after releasing the force to zero exceeds 458
5mm and degrades the weathertightness of the roof. (When the 5mm limit is achieved, the test 459
should be continued until the applied load is at least 1.5 times the load measured at the 5mm 460
limit or until ultimate failure occurs. This is to ensure that the design resistance derived does not 461
exceed the ultimate resistance divided by the appropriate partial factor). 462
NOTE: 463
1. Annex 1 gives guidance regarding the required uplift resistance for a given site 464
2. When assessing the adequacy of the system, partial factors must also be applied to the design 465
loads, increasing them in accordance with Tables A1.1 and A1.2 of EN 1990: 2002. For the 466
design against wind uplift the partial factor for self-weight shall be 1.0 and for wind suction loads 467
1.5. However, in normal use solar panels may be designated with a lower consequence of failure 468
than for the supporting building structure, in accordance with Table B1 of EN 1990: 2002 + 469
A1:2005 Consequence Class CC1. As a result the partial factor for design wind loads may be 470
multiplied by 0.9 (Factor KFI for Reliability Class RC1 from Table B3 of EN 1990: 2002 + A1: 471
2005) giving a net increase of 1.35 applied to the design wind suction loads. 472
473
A4.2.2 Alternative methods 474
Where it can be demonstrated that alternative methods provide equivalent or conservative 475
(safe) values of the resistance to wind uplift then these may be used. Alternative methods may 476
be appropriate when testing individual components. 477
Depending upon the failure mode and the method of mounting other acceptable methods may 478
include: 479
480
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i) DD CEN TS 15087: 2005 Determination of the uplift resistance of installed clay and concrete 481
interlocking tiles for roofing – Test method for mechanical fasteners. (Reference 9) 482
NOTE: This test method may be appropriate for some designs of roof integrated systems. It is not suitable 483
for above-roof systems. 484
485
ii) ISO 9806: 2006 Thermal solar systems and components — Solar Collectors — Test 486
methods, or BS EN 61215: 2005, or EN 61646: 2008 providing the mounting arrangement 487
complies with the requirements of Clause 4.1 v) and vi) above. 488
489
iii) Validation by calculation alone. In some simple cases it may be possible to validate the 490
system against wind loads by calculation only. However, this is often not possible because, for 491
instance, a) the failure modes are not wholly predictable, b) tabulated fastener withdrawal loads 492
from standards are often not applicable due to the fastener diameter/timber thickness ratio. 493
494
495
A5. FIRE PERFORMANCE 496
497
The test requirements are different for roof integrated and above roof systems. 498
A5.1 Roof integrated Systems 499
Roof integrated systems shall be tested in accordance with BS 476-3: 2004 (Reference 3) or 500
DD ENV 1187: 2002 Test 4 (Reference 11), and the rating must be declared. Appendix 2 shows 501
the test arrangement. 502
503
NOTE: 504
i) Applying this test to solar systems is not without its problems and guidance is provided in 505
Annex C (normative) of BS 476-3: 2004. 506
507
ii) Past experience suggests that the flashings around and between the panels often pose the 508
greatest risk due to unprotected gaps. 509
510
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iii) For large systems it may be necessary to test more than one section to ensure the most 511
vulnerable areas are all tested. 512
A5.1.1 Alternative Methods 513
Where the PV module forms part of the fire barrier for the fire test, the certificate must also 514
state: 515
a) The make and model of each module that the fire testing of the system has been 516
performed with, and the rating in each case. 517
b) That the fire performance rating applies only to the roofing kit when used with the family 518
of modules (family as referenced within MCS005) from which the tested module(s) 519
came, or other modules that have identical material specification and design of: frame, 520
coversheet, encapsulant, backing sheet and sealant. 521
522
NOTE: 523
(i) Work is ongoing to define the module characteristics that would conserve the fire rating 524
when substituting one type of module for another. Section A5 1.1 provides interim 525
guidance. 526
(ii) An alternative means for an installer to achieve a fire rating is to use a substrate with an 527
independent fire rating (for example a barrier material with AA rating) beneath a 528
roofing kit/module combination that does not have a declared fire rating. It is 529
important to be able to verify that the system achieves a sufficient rating as a whole. 530
531
A5.2 Above-roof Systems 532
If the solar system is only used on roofs whose outer covering is non-combustible, as defined in 533
the Building Regulations, then in general no external fire test is required, otherwise the solar 534
system together with the outer roof covering shall be tested in accordance with BS 476-3: 2004 535
or DD ENV 1187: 2002 Test 4. The Certification Body is to specify whether an external fire test 536
is required in consultation with the manufacturer. 537
538
An external fire test is required on the fixings into the roof if these are perceived as increasing 539
the fire risk to the roof, for instance by large increases in the gaps between roofing components. 540
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A6. WEATHERTIGHTNESS 541
A6.1 General 542
543
The presence of the solar panel system must not decrease the weather performance of the roof 544
covering or the roof structure. 545
546
The manufacturer/supplier shall declare which generic product classes their system can be 547
used with: 548
• Profiled or flat single lapped tiles (profiled are recommended for test) 549
• Plain tiles (double lapped product) 550
• Double lapped slates (natural or synthetic) 551
• Profiled metal sheets or standing seam roof coverings 552
• Any other generic roofing type 553
554
Where a single flashing kit is specified for use with more than one generic class of roof 555
covering, then the class representing the worst case shall be tested. If the worst class is not 556
certain then other generic classes shall also be tested. 557
558
Note: Based on past experience the biggest risks of water entry are as follows: 559
560
Roof integrated systems: 561
i) The risk of water entry over the flashing kit which is around, between and, in some 562
cases, under the panels. This water entry can be, for instance, at the interface with the roof 563
covering, at the interface with the panels, or through joints in the flashings. 564
565
ii) Water entry through the roof covering related to increased gapping of the roofing 566
elements due to the presence of the solar panel system, including its fixing system. 567
568
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iii) Penetrations through the underlay can also pose a risk. Such penetrations must not 569
jeopardise the role of the underlay, as specified in BS 5534: 2014+A1:2015 (Sections 4.9 and 570
6.2) and should therefore be sealed in an appropriate and durable manner, preferably with a 571
purpose designed product. 572
573
Above roof systems: 574
i) Water entry via the penetrations through the outer roof covering. 575
576
ii) Spray entry through any gaps in the outer-roof covering created by the mounting 577
arrangement. 578
579
iii) Penetrations through the underlay can also pose a risk. Such penetrations must not 580
jeopardise the role of the underlay, as specified in BS 5534:2014+A1:2015 (Sections 581
4.9 and 6.2) and should therefore be sealed in an appropriate and durable manner, 582
preferably with a purpose designed product. 583
584
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A6.2 Test methods 585
The test methods address the leakage mechanisms. 586
587
A6.2.1 Roof integrated systems 588
A6.2.1.1 Test Procedure 589
The principles of the draft European wind driven rain test for roofs (PD CEN/TR 15601:2012) 590
shall be used to determine the wind driven rain performance of the roof integrated solar panel 591
systems. 592
593
The test shall be carried out at the minimum pitch of the tile/solar panel combination. 594
595
CEN TR15601 specifies 4 different wind-rain combinations (A – D), covering a range of severe 596
UK coastal conditions (referred to as N. European coastal in CEN TR 15601). These conditions 597
are summarised in Appendix 3. 598
599
For solar panels, provided all unprotected gaps caused by the mounting and installation 600
arrangement are no greater than those pre-existing in the roof covering before the installation of 601
the solar panels, then only Test D is mandatory; providing there is no reason to believe the 602
gapping will increase due to wind. Tests A – C are then optional. 603
604
NOTE: 605
Test D is the test with the largest rainfall rate (225mm / hour). Since the limit on the flashing is often the 606
water carrying capacity, this is a sensible compromise, addressing the highest risk leakage mechanism. 607
608
If only Test D is to be carried out then a simplified test facility may be used, which does not have the 609
pressure chamber, suction device, or fan system required in CEN TR15601. 610
611
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If the installation of the system creates unprotected gaps larger than those pre-existing then, as 612
a minimum, wind-rain combinations B and D must be tested. 613
614
The test specimen shall be constructed in accordance with the manufacturer’s laying 615
specifications (complete with tiles or other outer roof covering elements) but without the roofing 616
underlay present, so that any water entry may be observed and collected. The tiles or roofing 617
elements used shall be well established in the market with known satisfactory field performance. 618
619
The test specimen shall be mounted in the test apparatus and subjected to the chosen wind-rain 620
combination. In the case of wind-rain combinations A, B and C, a uniform suction pressure is 621
then applied to the underside of the test specimen, in increasing steps (one step every five 622
minutes) until a leakage rate of 10 grams per square metre per 5-minute (g/m2/5min) time step 623
is observed. The amount of suction required to bring about this level of leakage is the test result 624
for that wind-rain combination and provides a measure of the rain tightness of the system. 625
626
In the case of wind-rain combination D there is no applied suction, as this is simulating a zero 627
wind condition. The test specimen is subjected to the Test D rainfall for 2 minutes and any water 628
entry is noted and weighed. 629
630
The quantity of water running onto the top of the solar panel (‘run-off water’) shall be adjusted to 631
simulate the worst case (widest panel and longest rafter length of roof). The minimum simulated 632
additional rafter length above the solar panel shall be 5 metres (m). 633
634
NOTE: 635
Due to the complexity and size of solar systems, it can be difficult to get a whole panel or panels onto the 636
test rig for test. It is often necessary to make up special samples which ensure the most vulnerable parts 637
of the solar array are tested. It is necessary to ensure that all joints and other vulnerable parts of the test 638
sample are representative of normal production. Alternatively, more than one configuration should be 639
tested in order to ensure that one of each joint and interface type is tested. 640
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A6.2.1.2 Test Criteria 641
The performance of the surrounding roof covering elements which are unaffected by the 642
presence of the solar panels shall be taken as a benchmark against which to judge the 643
performance of the solar panels. To be acceptable the solar panel system shall have a level of 644
performance at least equal to that of the unaffected roofing elements, or equal to that of any 645
other roofing element of known acceptable performance. If necessary a reference test shall be 646
carried out with the test roof constructed wholly of roofing elements. The reference test must be 647
carried out at the same laboratory as the test on the solar panel system. 648
649
For wind-rain combinations A, B and C, the comparison shall be made on the basis of the level 650
of suction necessary to bring about a leakage rate of 10g/m2/5min time step. The higher the 651
level of suction required the better the performance of the system. 652
653
For wind combination D, the comparison shall be made on the basis of any water entry during 654
the two minute test period. 655
656
A6.2.2 The performance of underlay penetrations 657
The sealing arrangement for the underlay penetrations shall be tested for weather-tightness. 658
This shall be done with the underlay system fitted in place of the solar panel and tiles. The test 659
shall follow the same test procedure as the Test D of Section A6.2.1.1 but should use a rainfall 660
rate of 50 millimetres per hour (mm/hr) instead of 225mm/hr. In addition there should be no 661
direct rainfall, only run-off water applied at the top of the inclined roof rig, assuming a rafter 662
length of 5m. The product shall be deemed to have passed the test if there is no water leakage 663
through the joint with the underlay after five minutes. 664
Note: Appendix 4 shows an example of an underlay sealing device undergoing a test. 665
666
667
668
669
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A6.2.3 Above Roof Systems 670
671
Provided all unprotected gaps caused by the mounting and installation arrangement are no 672
greater than those pre-existing in the roof covering before the installation of the solar panels, 673
then only the weathertightness of the outer surface penetrations and the underlay penetrations 674
need be tested. 675
676
The penetrations through the outer surface shall be tested in accordance with Section A6.2.3.1, 677
whilst the penetrations through the underlay shall be tested in accordance with Section A6.2.2. 678
679
If the installation of the system creates unprotected gaps lager than those pre-existing, then the 680
system, including the solar panels, shall be tested in accordance with Section A6.2.1.1 and no 681
separate test is required for the penetrations through the outer roof covering. 682
683
A6.2.3.1 Weathertightness of the penetrations through the outer surface 684
685
Carry out Test D (Section A6.2.1.1) on the outer roof covering, with one or more penetrations 686
installed but without the solar panel system in place. There should be no dripping from the 687
penetration into the batten space during the two minute test period. 688
689
For some designs of penetrations a simpler ‘impermeability test’ can be considered as 690
equivalent and sufficient. This simple test follows the principles of the water impermeability test 691
in BS EN 490: 2011 or BS EN 491: 2011 (European concrete tile standard and associated test 692
methods – References 7 and 8). 693
694
A7. TEST REPORT 695
The test report shall include the following details: 696
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A7.1 Product and System Details: 697
Solar panel: 698
• Manufacturer 699
• Model 700
• Dimensions 701
o Specify roof integrated or above roof design: 702
• Supplied by (company/person) 703
• Date received 704
• Laying instructions – publication date/version/edition 705
Flashing kit (where appropriate): 706
• Manufacturer 707
• Model 708
• Supplied by (company / person) 709
• Fitting instructions – publication date/version/edition 710
Outer roof penetrations/fixings (where appropriate): 711
• Manufacturer 712
• Model 713
• Supplied by (company / person) 714
• Fitting instructions – publication date/version/edition 715
Roof covering elements included in tests: 716
• Manufacturer 717
• Model 718
719
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Performance parameters tested: 720
721
Yes / No Test dates
Resistance to wind uplift
Fire performance
Weather tightness
722
A7.2 Resistance to wind uplift 723
Specify all details of the system considered: 724
(All details influencing the uplift resistance are to be given, including all timber sizes, 725
fixings, roof covering elements and fixings of those.) 726
727
State method of assessment: 728
729
BS EN 14437:
2004
DD CEN
TS15087: 2005
EN 12975-2: 2006 or
EN 61215: 2005 or EN
61646: 2008
Calculation Other
730
State the results and conclusions including all failure modes found or considered. When an 731
appropriate EN standard or equivalent is used, the reporting should be in accordance with that 732
Standard. 733
734
735
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A7.3 Fire performance 736
Where required, report the results in accordance with BS 476-3: 2004 or DD ENV 1187: 2002 737
Test 4. 738
739
A7.4 Weathertightness 740
741
A7.4.1 Roof integrated systems: 742
State whether whole panels with flashing tested or sections. 743
(in the case of a section of a panel state the reason and the specific items tested) 744
745
Manufacturer’s declaration of generic product classes the system is suitable for: 746
747
Generic class Yes/No Minimum pitch specification
Profiled or flat single lapped tiles
Plain tiles
Double lapped slate (natural and
synthetic)
Profiled metal sheets or standing seam
Any other generic class (state)
748
Roof covering elements used as a reference (manufacturer, model, pitch and headlap) 749
Gapping information 750
Roof covering elements (without solar system): 751
• Maximum unprotected gapping (mm to an accuracy of ±1.0mm) 752
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Solar system: 753
• Maximum unprotected gapping (mm to an accuracy of ±1.0mm) 754
755
Tests carried out and result: 756
757
Test Test pitch Test Result for
system
Test Result
for
Reference
product
A Applied suction (Pascal (Pa))
at leakage rate at10g/m2/5min
B Applied suction (Pa) at
leakage rate (Pa) at
10g/m2/5min
C Applied suction (Pa) at
leakage rate (Pa) at
10g/m2/5min
D Leakage observed after 2 min
758
759
Additional Rafter length simulated (m) 760
Panel width simulated if greater than physical width of panel tested (m) 761
762
Performance assessment compared with test criteria 763
764
A7.4.2 Underlay penetration (both roof integrated and above roof solar systems) 765
Product specification (underlay seal): 766
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Manufacturer of product used 767
Model 768
Supplied by (company/person) 769
Underlay used in the test (manufacturer/product name) 770
771
Test result 772
773
A7.4.3 Above roof systems 774
If the whole system is tested then report in accordance with the roof integrated system. 775
776
If only the outer roof penetrations are tested then report as follows: 777
Gapping information 778
Roof covering elements (without solar system): 779
Maximum unprotected gapping (mm to an accuracy of ±1.0mm) 780
781
Solar system (roof covering elements with outer roof penetrations fitted): 782
Maximum unprotected gapping (mm to an accuracy of ±1.0mm) 783
784
Test carried out 785
786
Test result 787
788
Performance assessment compared with criteria 789
790
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A8. REFERENCES 791
792
• BS EN 14437: 2004 Determination of the uplift resistance of installed concrete or clay 793
tiles for roofing-roofing system test method 794
• BS 5534:2014+A1:2015 Slating and tiling for pitched roofs and vertical cladding – Code 795
of practice 796
• BS 476-3: 2004 Fire tests on building materials and structures — Classification and 797
method of test for external fire exposure to roofs 798
• BS EN 13501-1: 2007 Fire classification of construction products and building elements 799
— Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests 800
• BS EN 13501-5: 2005 Fire classification of construction products and building elements 801
— Classification using data from external fire exposure to roofs tests 802
• PD CEN/TR 15601:2012 Hygrothermal performance of buildings — Resistance to wind-803
driven rain of roof coverings with discontinuously laid small elements — Test Method 804
• BS EN 490: 2011 Concrete roofing tiles and fittings for roof covering and wall cladding 805
— Product specifications 806
• BS EN 491: 2011 Concrete roofing tiles and fittings for roof covering and wall cladding 807
— Test methods 808
• DD CEN TS15087: 2005 Determination of the uplift resistance of installed clay and 809
concrete interlocking tiles for roofing — Test method for mechanical fasteners 810
• EN 12975-2: 2006 Thermal solar systems and components — Solar collectors — Test 811
methods 812
• DD ENV 1187: 2002 Test methods for external fire exposure of roofs 813
• BS 6399-2: 1997 Loading for buildings. Code of practice for wind loads 814
• EN 1991-1-4: 2005 Eurocode 1. Actions on Structures. General actions. Wind loads. 815
• BRE Digest 489 Wind loads on roof-based photovoltaic systems 816
817
818
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Appendix 1
Test arrangement for carrying out tests to BS EN 14437: 2004
Figure A1.2 Typical PV System undergoing a wind uplift test according to the principles of BS
EN 14437 : 2004
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Appendix 2
Annexes A and C of BS 476 -3 : 2004
Figure: A2.1 A typical PV system ready for testing to BS 476-3 2004.
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Appendix 3
Test procedure for wind driven rain performance based upon PD CEN/TR
15601:2012
Figure A3.1 A PV system laid ready for wind driven rain tests
1.1 Rain and Wind Driven Rain Effects
A solar energy specimen is fitted into the wind-driven rain apparatus, the external
surface of the specimen is exposed to wind and continuously sprayed with water and
run-off water is continuously applied at the top of the specimen. At the same time an
air pressure difference between the upper and lower sides of the test specimen is
increased or decreased in specific steps. Water leakage through the test specimen
which may occur at certain air pressure differences is observed and measured.
1.1.1 Test specimens
Samples for the test specimen shall comply with the product specifications and be
representative of normal production.
The dimensions of the test specimen shall be as large as necessary to be
representative of the intended use. The test specimen shall include at least one of
every type of joint between the solar energy specimen and the surrounding roof
surface (where appropriate). In some cases with large solar energy specimens, it
might not be possible to test all of the joints simultaneously in the same test. In such
cases the testing shall be repeated to ensure that each joint is fully tested. The
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minimum number of tests shall be one. The test specimen shall include all
representative joints, where this is not possible then additional tests will be required
to test each joint separately.
1.1.2 Preparation of the test specimen
Construct the test specimen according to the manufacturer/supplier’s specification
representative of its intended use (such as roof pitch, fixing systems, etc). The test
specimen may be built in a surrounding frame to facilitate transport and fitting to the
opening of the driving rain test apparatus. The joint between test specimen and
surrounding frame shall be sealed to prevent water leakage during the test, without
disturbance to the normal occurring gaps in the specimen. If a frame is used, it shall
be able to resist the pressures applied during the test without deflecting to an extent
to influence the test results. The surround shall be prepared and installed so that any
water penetration through the test specimen is readily detectable.
1.1.3 Apparatus
The test apparatus shall consist of:
• a pressure chamber sealed to the underside of the test specimen and
connected to a pressure generator, as specified in 1.1.4 below;
• a fan system to create wind on the outside of the test specimen, as specified
in 1.1.5 below;
• a facility for generating rain, as specified in 1.1.6 below;
• provisions for creating run-off water as specified in 1.1.7 below; and
• a facility for observation and measurement of leakage as specified in 1.1.8
below.
NOTE. Apparatus of different design may produce different wind driven rain test
results, but can produce consistent comparisons of performance between different
roof covering products.
1.1.4 Pressure chamber
The pressure generator connected to the pressure chamber shall be capable of
creating a stable negative or positive pressure difference, maintained for five minutes
±10seconds (s), across the test specimen. The pressure difference shall be
measured to a maximum inaccuracy of 1% or 2.5Pa, whichever is greater. The
volume of the pressure chamber shall be sufficient to ensure uniform pressure
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conditions. A water collector shall be provided connected to the pressure chamber
capable of recording the amount of leakage water during any pressure step in the
test to a maximum inaccuracy of 2 % or 1 gram (g), whichever is greater. The
surfaces of the pressure chamber shall allow leakage water to flow freely into the
water collector.
1.1.5 Fan system
The fan system shall be capable of generating wind directed parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the test specimen. The wind flow may be horizontal or parallel to
the surface of the test specimen. The spatial variation of the wind speed shall be not
more than 10% over the test specimen. Calibrate the fan system for spatial variation
of the wind speed, by taking measurements at not less than 9 positions uniformly
distributed at a height of 200 + 10 mm over a flat boarded area which replaces the
test specimen, at the relevant roof pitch. The calibration wind speed shall be 10 + 0.5
metre per second (m/s) at the centre of the test specimen.
The wind speed (Vi) shall be measured to a maximum inaccuracy of 0.5 m/s.
The turbulence intensity (t) in the oncoming wind shall be less than 10 %.
NOTE: The turbulence intensity t (%) is expressed as t = 100u/U, where u and U are
the RMS and mean wind speeds respectively, measured over a duration of not less
than 5 minutes for this purpose.
RMS (root mean square) wind speed 1
)(1
2
−
−
==
n
U
u
n
iiV
Mean wind speed n
U
n
iiV
== 1
Where Vi is the individual wind speed;
n is the number of measurements
1.1.6 Rain generating facility
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The facility shall be capable of supplying a stable rain rate. The spatial variation shall
be not more than ±35% over the area of the test specimen during a time period of 5
min±10s. During the same time period of 5min ±10s the rainfall rate shall vary by not
more than ±2%. The rain droplet size shall be representative of natural rain,
predominantly in the range of 0.6mm to 2.5mm diameter.
The variation of rainfall over the specimen can be measured using rain collectors with
an area of 0.10 square metre (m2) to 0.20 m2 in area and arranged so that they do
not collect any run-off water during calibration. To calibrate the rain falling directly on
the test specimen, replace the test specimen with a flat board which incorporates the
rain collectors in its upper surface. The calibration should be carried out for each
wind-rain combination used. The rain shall be measured to a maximum inaccuracy of
3% or 0.2 mm/h, whichever is larger.
NOTE 1. Water droplets introduced into a high velocity air stream tend to break up
over distance. Accordingly it is recommended that the droplets are introduced far
enough above the test specimen for this process to be completed and for the
droplets to achieve the required velocity prior to impact with the test specimen.
NOTE 2: A variation of ±35% in wind driven rain distribution when combined with run-
off water (see 8.3.3.4) results in a combined variation of not more than 10%.
1.1.7 Run-off water
Run-off water shall be evenly distributed across the top of the test specimen. The
run-off rate shall not vary by more than 10% over the width of the test specimen. The
quantity of run-off water shall be measured to a maximum inaccuracy of 3%.
The run-off rate Rro shall be calculated by the formula:
Rro = Rtest W L / 60
where:
Rro is the run-off rate, in litres per minute (l/m);
Rtest is the rainfall on the roof surface in mm/h;
W is the effective width of the test specimen, in m;
L is the simulated additional rafter length above the test specimen, in m.
Unless otherwise specified, L shall be not less than 5 m.
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1.1.8 Observation and measurement of leakage
The pressure chamber shall be provided with:
a) a transparent under-surface for clear visual observation of the nature and position
of leakages which may appear on the underside of the test specimen during the test.
b) an apparatus to continuously collect and measure the amount (by weight or by
volume) of leakage water which may fall from the test specimen into the pressure
chamber during the test.
To minimise surface tension, absorption and retention of water on the internal
surfaces of the pressure chamber, the surfaces shall be smooth, non-absorbent and
inclined at a vertical angle of not less than 15° from the horizontal towards the lower
collecting apparatus during testing.
1.2 Test Procedure
Carry out the test in an environment with a temperature of between 5 degrees
Celsius (°C) to 35°C with the test specimen installed in the apparatus at the specified
roof pitch. Seal the edges of the test specimen as appropriate to prevent leakage of
water or air into or out of the pressure chamber. The test specimen shall be surface
dry before each test.
Select and continuously apply the relevant wind speed, rain-fall rate, and amount of
run-off water for each wind-rain combination as specified in Table 6.1
Table 6.1 Wind-rain conditions for Northern Europe Coastal climate zone
Climate zone Wind-rain
combination
Test conditions +
Approach Wind
speed
Vr (m/s)
Rainfall on horizontal
Rh (mm/h)
Northern
Europe Coastal
A 5 110
B 13 60
C 25 6
D 0 225
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+ Note: See PD CEN/TR 15601:2012 for the methodology to determine the wind and
rain over the roof surface, as a function of roof pitch.
In summary these combinations are:
Combination A: Low wind speed with severe rainfall rate
Combination B: High wind speed with high rainfall rate
Combination C: Severe wind speed with low rainfall rate
Combination D: Maximum rainfall rate with no wind (deluge)
In the wind-rain combinations A, B and C, measure initially the pressure difference
with the pressure box closed and adopt this pressure difference as the reference
zero for subsequent pressure changes during the test. Then reduce the pressure in
the box in steps of not less than 5 Pa and maintain each pressure step for 5 minutes
+ 10 seconds, until leakage is observed. Measure the amount of leakage water at
each pressure step, or continuously, up to the reference leakage rate.
In the deluge test, Combination D, apply the rainfall and run-off without wind and with
the pressure box open to the atmosphere, for 2 minutes + 10 seconds. Observe any
leakage and measure the amount of leakage water.
NOTE 1: The sub-test may be continued at greater pressure differences to observe
more leakage.
NOTE 2: Fine spray may leak through the joints in certain types of solar energy
specimens. Its occurrence should be recorded. Such fine spray may or may not be
regarded as leakage depending on the leakage criterion adopted.
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Appendix 4
An example of an underlay sealing ring in test for water-tightness
Figure: A4.1 An underlay sealing ring in test and subject to a very large volume of
water.
(This product is designed to seal around a rigid pipe and when used with a smaller
flexible pipe a durable flashing material is used to make the seal between the lip of
the sealing ring and the flexible pipe.)
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Informative Annexes
Annex 1
Resistance to Wind Uplift
2. System Requirements
2.1 System requirement Design Loads
The method of mechanical fixing of the collectors to the roof, and the fixing
components, must be adequate to resist the design loads derived from the relevant
parts of BS 6399 or EN 1991-1. These design loads relate to dead and imposed
loads, wind loads and other environmental loads such as snow loads. The fixings
shall be capable of resisting these loads, preferably without maintenance for their full
service lifetime.
The test method described is intended to assess the adequacy of the fixings against
wind uplift loads only.
2.2 Design wind speed
The design wind speed (and wind dynamic pressure) is used to calculate the design
wind load and may either be:
a) determined using BS 6399-2 : 1997 or EN 1991-1-4 : 2005 for a particular site
in question;
Or;
b) taken as a sensible upper estimate which will cover all buildings up to three
storeys in height anywhere in the UK, provided that topographical features
(eg; hills and valleys) are not significant. A 1 second gust wind speed with an
annual probability of 0.02 and equal to 58 ms-1 is suggested.
Where topographical features are significant the design wind speed must be checked
using BS 6399-2 : 1997 or EN 1991-1-4 : 2005.
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2.3 Design wind loads
BRE Digest 489 “Wind loads on roof-based photovoltaic systems” also provides
additional guidance on deriving the wind loads on the solar panels and their fixings.
The design wind load shall then be derived as follows:
I. For roof integrated designs;
II. For air permeable roof integrated systems, which replace roof tiles, BS 5534:
2014+A1:20151 may be used to derive the design wind loads acting on the
collectors and fixings. BS 5534: 2014+A1:2015 takes account of the
reduction in the wind loads due to the air permeability of the installed panels
and surrounding roof tiles. BS 5534: 2014+A1:2015 also presents the
principles and a test methodology for measuring the level of air permeability;
III. For non air permeable systems use BS 6399-2: 1997 or BS EN 1991-1-4:
2005 to derive the design wind loads;
IV. For on-roof systems, the wind loads shall be assessed using BS 6399-2:
1997 or EN 1991-1-4: 2005.
Additional guidance is given in BRE Digest 489.
2.4 Other requirements not tested
In addition the collector fixings have to:
• possess sufficient shear strength to resist gravitational sliding of the panel
due to its weight and imposed snow loads;
• withstand other effects such as fatigue loading due to variation in the wind
forces and differential thermal movements;
• resist abrasion against roof tiles and other nearby materials;
• be resistant to corrosion due to rain and accumulated debris.
These properties are not tested in the test method proposed.
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AMENDMENTS ISSUED SINCE PUBLICATION
Document Number: Amendment Details: Date:
Issue 1.0 First Issue 16/03/2012
Issue 1.1 Update to date of
implementation from
16/09/2012 to 31/03/2014
21/06/2013
Issue 1.2 Scope and definitions
clarified
16/12/2013
Issue 2.0 A5.1.1 Alternative Methods
for fire testing
02/11/2015
Issue 2.1 Updated implementation
timeline in FOREWARD
05/04//2016
Issue 2.2 Updated references, Minor
clarifications to A2 Scope,
A4.2.1 Method, A5.1.1,
A7.2.
10/01/2018
Issue 2.3 Update Clause 5.4 and
Clause 5.6
18/09/2018